To stop major blood loss...

[danattherock]

This was brought up in the thread about super glue. I wanted to post it where it would be seen also. This product is called quik clot. It is used in the emergency room (I am an registered nurse) to stop severe bleeding. This should be in every survival kit/ first aid kit. I am attaching a link to the manufacturer which give lots of info about it. Check it out.
http://www.z-medica.com/quikclot/index.asp

 

[AKmud]

An interesting fix...

An interesting fix...

I have heard also of guys carrying an unscented tampon (yes, a feminine hygene product has now been mentioned on the ODD....) for a "plug" per se to help with a gunshot wound. I have no idea whether this is sanitary enough for an open wound, but like I said...I heard about it. Application would be easy enough and theoretically it might work, but I think it would be hard to explain this to my hunting buddies around the campfire when it falls out of my pack accidentally!

 

[Daveinthebush]

Tampons

Tampons

Yes tampons are surgical grade material and as told me by a good friend and medivac pilot who has served in Irag, that they use them as a quick fix to plug gunshot wounds. It is probably a good idea that we all carry 2-3 just in case of such an event as a knife stab, gunshot, arrow wound and other punchures.

The hydrogen peroxide left over in my boat from bear season sure came in handy this week as I scraped my self with a rusty fish gaff across the arm. In two years the bottle had never been opened but it probably saved me from another nasty infection.

 

[danattherock]

Dave

Dave

Dave If you have not had a tetanus shot recently (5yr) you may want to get one. A rusty knife could cause some trouble.

 

[AkBubba]

Quik Klot

Quik Klot

I carry Quik Klot in my first aid kit. It is a last resort. Stuff will sho-nuff stop bleeding. But comes with many warnings. I was an EMT for years in Houston and responded to bunches of bleeding and GSW's. We used the heck out of maxi-pad type dressings. Never used a tampon though. Not saying that wont work. Just seems like a pressure bandage would be as effective and not invasive.

 

[BucknRut]

Another "plug" for tampons!

Another "plug" for tampons!

Some of my friends claim that I know more about women than most women know about women! That being said, I'm not afraid to walk around with a few tampons...

I carry 2 or 3 in my truck, 2 or 3 in my toolbox, 2 or 3 in my first aid kits, and yes...2 or 3 into the woods with me. Most of the time Coral is with me and there is no need for explanation, but when I do have to fend off the occasional (rare now) buddy that likes to make me the subject of a good laugh, here's what I say...

The things are made to ABSORB, just ask any woman (it might be a little less awkward to ask a wrestler how they stop a nose bleed in the locker room). They are STERILE (if in wrapper). They DO work great for any cut where you have got substantial bleeding. I have used them on the jobsite when injured and bandaid or tape just won't stay. Simply pull apart a tampon (most have 2 long square pieces of absorbant tissue folded over a string in the middle), cut a piece off, apply to wound and tape in place.

They make for a great plug. However, the chances of having to insert a tampon into a hole in your flesh are pretty slim and might not be the best solution.

If you are ever stabbed by an object, it is almost always better to leave that object inserted as it is. You will have a better chance of blocking the bleeding if left unaggravated. Cut off the ends leaving enough exposed so that a surgen can get ahold of to remove, apply an absorbant tissue (tampon) around the object at the entrance (and exit) area of the wound, tape in place. Get to Doc asap.

Now, in the case of a bullet wound or similar type of "hole" in the flesh, I have always been told to "plug" the hole with something that does not contain fibers. On the street, I might consider a plastic bag wrapped around my finger or the victim's finger. On the job, I might use a large screwdriver. In the woods, maybe a clean stick.

I am NOT an EMT, Doctor or nurse, so I don't have all of the answers. I am going to do a bit of research on this issue to see what the best fix would be.

If anyone else with better knowledge than I and can correct me on any of these matters, please chime in!

Joshua

 

[AkBubba]

Stopping bleeding

Stopping bleeding

I would not suggest doing ANYTHING invasive such as sticking an object inside a hole. It is best to use pressure bandages. When your pressure bandage gets soaked, apply another one on top.

 

[AKDSLDOG]

I have heard also of guys carrying an unscented tampon (yes, a feminine hygene product has now been mentioned on the ODD....) for a "plug" per se to help with a gunshot wound. I have no idea whether this is sanitary enough for an open wound, but like I said...I heard about it. Application would be easy enough and theoretically it might work, but I think it would be hard to explain this to my hunting buddies around the campfire when it falls out of my pack accidentally!

Tampons are good but maxi pads are better, hold more and better for packing a gaping wound.

Yes, I had to explain myself once on a hunt. They understood afterwards but still rib me hard for it today. lol

 

[ak_huntinMomma]

real life experience??

real life experience??

YAY for a textbook answer!!! Of course, if you have lived in the Bush, life experience may have taught you different.

For being an EMT, workin in the ER, a nurse...of whatever skill level..what they dont teach you in the classes and with the textbooks, is that nothing is what it seems when you are in the field (bush), and far far away from an emergency room or access to an ambulance. That type of 'larnin' only happens in the field.

I would not suggest doing ANYTHING invasive such as sticking an object inside a hole. It is best to use pressure bandages. When your pressure bandage gets soaked, apply another one on top.

 

[brav01]

Sanitary Napkins

Sanitary Napkins

For emergency field dressings use a sanitary napkin. The ones wrapped in the sealed plastic bags will stay useable a long time and are nearly sterile. With a roll of gauze or duct tape make a decent pressure bandage and are very absorbent. HINT; For all you guy who decide to stab themselves and get blood on your favorite hunting clothes. Just pour Hydrogen Peroxide on the stain before it is washed and the blood will not stain your clothes.

 

[fishin fool]

gsw field "repair"

gsw field "repair"

my little bro is a combat medic in the army and he backed up the tampon remedy. he said they work extremely well in the field to stop the bleeding from a gunshot wound in a hurry. for what it's worth.

 

[SuperDick]

Tampon

Tampon

The many uses of a TAMPON:

Quite frequently a TAMPON has come in handy as an emergency fix to many problems. A TAMPON can be used as an artificial lure to catch fish. Just insert a hook through the TAMPON and catch fish. A TAMPON can also be used as a sponge in hunting camp. Use either one TAMPON or multiple TAMPONS, depending on the size of the clean-up. Additionaly, a TAMPON can double as a sleep aid. Just stuff one TAMPON in each ear and your buddies snoring will "fall on deaf ears". You can also use a TAMPON or multiple TAMPONS to shove in your snoring partners' mouth. Although this can cause suffocation, the snoring will cease. Suffocation can be remedied by pulling TAMPONS out of said partners mouth and slapping them against his face. This only works on males I might add. This is because no guy wants to be slapped on the face with a TAMPON. A TAMPON also works well as a antenna booster for cell phones. You'll have to try it next time you're in Fred Meyer. Trust me....it really works. TAMPONS can be used as signal flares. Just insert the TAMPON into a jug of motor oil (read TAMPON directions), dip it in gas and light. With the TAMPON burning, grab a hold of the TAMPON string and twirl it over your head. Do this until rescue has arrived. The laughing will be out of joy that you have been found (out). Last but not least, a TAMPON makes a great cigarette substitute. Take 'Phellinus igniarius' (a fungus) and campfire ash and combine in a small dish. Then infuse the mixture into the TAMPON. Let dry. After it is dry, smoke the hell out of the TAMPON!

There you have it....a short but sweet list of the many uses of a TAMPON.

Don't tell me I never taught you anything....